Rayman 3 Preview

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Get the scoop on this promising platformer.

By Chadd Chambers

It's a shame Ubisoft's Rayman series has never really achieved mascot status like Sega's Sonic the Hedgehog, or Nintendo's Mario games. Rayman (the strange limbless hero of the game) may not be a household name, but you would be hard pressed to find a better platformer. Sidescrolling games such as Rayman 3 challenge the player's reflexes by requiring them to jump between platforms while avoiding enemies. The concept sounds a little abstract when compared to the "realistic" games of today. Abstract? Maybe. Fun? Absolutely.

Features

Various colorful environments

Over 50 levels

Eight different worlds

Four-player capture the flag

Gain new abilities as the game progesses

Thanks to the developers at Gameloft, Rayman 3 is on its way to the Nokia N-Gage this fall. The third Rayman game has appeared across multiple platforms this past year, and though not quite up to the fantastic Rayman 2, each appearance has been received with acclaim. The game's colorful platforming action has proven to be successful from both the third-dimensional point of view (on PC, PS2, GameCube, and Xbox), and the classic 2D perspective (on the Game Boy Advance). N-Gage players will be treated to the 2D version of Rayman 3.

Rayman can perform basic maneuvers such as jumping, climbing, and running right off the bat, but other special abilities will be unlocked as he progresses. Activities throughout the game will include collecting items, breaking boxes, and fighting enemies and bosses. Rayman 3 will have over 50 levels that will span eight major environments. Level designs will add variety to the gameplay by switching from platforming to kart racing to waterskiing.

The Rayman universe is very colorful and should make good use of the N-Gage's 4096 color depth. Environments and game characters will sport elaborate animations and the kart racing, and waterskiing levels will play in basic (non-polygonal) 3D, just like on GBA. These factors should combine to deliver a visually impressive Rayman title for your N-Gage that suits that unique, hand-drawn style the series is famous for.

Gameloft also hasn't forgotten to include a cool multiplayer option for gamers who like to test their skills against others. Rayman 3 will support up to four players via the wireless Bluetooth connection. A Capture the Flag game will be available in the multiplayer mode to keep competitive players busy.

The Rayman series is backed by a history of titles that have pleased both players and critics alike and we've got high hopes for the N-Gage version of this classic as well.

Check back with us for the full review when we get the final build of the game.